PHILADELPHIA, PA — CheFarmers Matthew and Tia Raiford, stewards of the historic Gilliard Farms in Brunswick, Georgia, are bringing their rich culinary heritage to Philadelphia this Black History Month. The husband-and-wife duo will headline two unique collaboration dinners, blending Gullah Geechee traditions with modern techniques, and spotlighting the profound cultural and historical significance of African American foodways.
The Raifords’ visit marks a special occasion for Philadelphia’s dining scene. Gilliard Farms, a 50-acre Centennial Family Farm purchased by Matthew’s ancestor Jupiter Gilliard in 1874, is a testament to resilience and legacy. Jupiter Gilliard, a freed slave, bought the land for just $9, and today, Matthew and Tia continue the mission of cultivating sustainable, high-quality organic produce while promoting a broader understanding of African American farming and cuisine.
Showcasing Gullah Geechee Traditions
On February 25, Ember & Ash in the East Passyunk neighborhood will host the Raifords for a five-course tasting menu that merges Gullah Geechee flavors with Ember & Ash’s live-fire cooking techniques. Dishes for this one-night-only event will include Shrimp Toast with Saffron Coconut Rice and Pickled Okra, Smoked Grouper with Middlin Risotto and Hoja Santa, and a Sweet Potato Olive Oil Cake. Ingredients sourced directly from Gilliard Farms will add a personal touch to each course.
“We’ve wanted to do a collaboration with longtime friends Scott and Lulu Calhoun of Ember & Ash for a while,” said Tia Raiford, reflecting on her ties to Philadelphia, where she once worked alongside Scott Calhoun under acclaimed chef Marc Vetri. “This is an opportunity to marry our farm’s story with this city’s vibrant dining culture.”
The dinner at Ember & Ash, located at 1520 East Passyunk Avenue, offers seatings at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. for $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Exploring History Through Food
The Raifords will continue their culinary storytelling on February 26 with “A Great Migration Dinner” at Booker’s Restaurant & Bar and Bayou Lounge in West Philadelphia. This multi-course event will feature Matthew Raiford, a James Beard semifinalist and author of Bress ‘n’ Nyam, leading a discussion on the Great Migration—the movement of six million Southern Black people to the urban North between 1910 and 1970—and its influence on American cuisine.
The evening’s menu includes Salmon Croquettes with Red Rice, Poulet Yassa with Vegan Teff Stew, a Collard Green Salad with Roasted Squash, and Sweet Potato Pone with Toasted Walnut Semifreddo. Guests can pair their meal with a complimentary Gullah Geechee Gin Rickey cocktail or a Hibiscus & Lime Spritzer.
“Many African Americans’ roots can be traced to the Great Migration, including our own families,” said Cheri and Tracey Syphax, owners of Booker’s. “Having Matthew here brings that history to life in a way that celebrates and honors our past, especially at a restaurant named for Booker Wright, who embodied resilience and determination during the Civil Rights era.”
Dinner at Booker’s, located at 5021 Baltimore Avenue, begins at 6 p.m. and costs $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
A Legacy of Celebration and Education
Through these dinners, the Raifords aim to highlight the resilience and contributions of African Americans in shaping the nation’s culinary landscape. Gilliard Farms stands as a reminder of the Freshwater Gullah Geechee people’s legacy, whose ancestors, brought from West Africa as slaves, brought vital agricultural expertise to the American South.
Matthew and Tia Raiford’s presence in Philadelphia not only honors tradition but also fosters dialogue about sustainability, cultural preservation, and the power of food in connecting people to history. With these events, they extend the legacy of Gilliard Farms to audiences far from its Georgia roots. To make reservations or learn more, please visit bookersrestaurantandbar.com.
By celebrating Black History Month with bold flavors and heartfelt stories, the Raifords and their collaborators are rekindling connections to the past and inspiring a greater appreciation for African American heritage in the present.
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